We just received the latest, edited version of the preliminary drawings for our three unit row house project from our design shop, inertia. The plans are now at the stage where we are satisfied that we have come up with the best possible creative solutions to the design brief I prepared months ago.
The design brief is a big picture set of guidance for my design team to understand what it is I am trying to achieve with a project. I have found it extremely helpful to prepare a design brief not just for the design team, but also for myself to formalize my internal objectives. When starting with a blank property, the options of what to do can be overwhelming. The design brief focuses the design team effort so their time can be best spent making the first concept as close as possible to executing my project goals.
In the case of our 33 st row house project, my design brief included specific instruction on how I wanted the entrances to each unit to be set up, how many bedrooms and bathrooms were needed, and demographic information on the type of end user I expect to occupy the houses. Given the many constraints on site, the setbacks, height allowances, parking requirements, fire code issues, and other rules at play, we quickly developed a workable concept.
The next phase of the process is an initial review by the City planning staff, and eventual circulation to the various parties that will provide feedback. Over the coming months we will navigate the permitting process, and eventually the outcome will be an approved project. This is perhaps the most innovative and interesting project I have launched in my inner city building career. It will transform a derelict corner in a great community into an urban row house. I am extremely grateful that Calgary Mayor and Council has granted me the zoning to pursue this development in Killarney.
Transit oriented development (TOD) is a walkable, mixed-use form of area development typically focused within a 600m radius of a transit station
